In 1905, the Vokkaligara Sangha initiated an Anti-Brahmin Movement in Mysore. The largest community in the erstwhile princely state of Mysore was constituted by the Vokkaligas. The name Vokkaliga has been derived from Vokku which implies to thresh the grains out of crops. In India, caste is a system of social division that also serves as a mechanism of identity. Religious prejudices and dogmas entangled Indian society in the nineteenth century, creating a web. All religions, including Hinduism, had devolved into a mash-up of magic, animism, and superstitions. This article will discuss about the Vokkaligara Sangha which is important for aspirants preparing for UPSC examination.

Evolution of Vokkaligara Sangha

• The Vokkaliga caste originates in the Indian state of Karnataka.
• In the former princely state of Mysore, the Vokkaligas were the largest community.
• As a community of warriors and cultivators, they have historically wielded tremendous demographic, political, and economic dominance in Old Mysore.
• The term Vokkaliga comes from the word Vokku, which means to thresh grains from crops.
• Some of the sub-sects of this community are Gangadikaras, Namadhari Vokkaliga, Morasu Vokkaliga, Kunchitigas, Nonabas, and so on.
• Chiefs from this agro-martial community dominated different principalities in the present-day Karnataka districts of Bangalore, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Tumkur, and Ramanagara.
• They supported art, culture, and commerce as leaders, and Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore, was a member of this community.
• The Vokkaligas would have produced many princely families like the Wodeyars of Mysore if it hadn't been for the Adil Shahis of Bijapur and Hyder Ali, who exterminated the Vokkaliga leaders.
• With the loss of political authority, the Vokkaligas turned to agriculture for a living, and it wasn't until the K.R.S. dam was built that the village saw monetary prosperity.
• However, progress in the sphere of general education was gradual. This prompted the Vokkaliga community's leaders to organise an association, which was enthusiastically supported by the then-Diwan of Mysore, V.P. Madhava Rao.
• As a result, on April 1, 1906, the Vokkaligara Sangha was founded in Bangalore.
• T.Byanna was the Sangha's first president, and the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, and Diwan V.P.Madhava Rao were the association's patron and vice-patron, respectively.

Objectives of Vokkaligara Sangha

• It organized the Vokkaliga community and held meetings annually.
• To establish hostels and other institutions for Vokkaliga students.
• Publish newspapers and other literary materials for the dissemination of information useful to the community.
• They printed the newspaper Vokkaligara Patrike. B.Puttaiah, the general secretary of the Sangha, was the editor of the Patrike.

Characteristics of Vokkaligara Sangha

• T.Byanna, the association's president, gave Rs.10,000 to the association's fund, as well as his home in Cottonpet, Bangalore, to house the Sangha's office and a press for producing the Vokkaligara Patrike newspaper.
• In the presence of the Maharaja himself, the Sangha conducted its second annual meeting in August 1907, where members of the Sangha requested that the Maharaja donate land for the construction of a student hostel.
• The Maharaja told the crowd that he would provide all support for their general welfare and education, as the Vokkaligas made up the majority of his subjects.
• Two influential members of the community, Marappa and Muniswamappa, agreed to construct the dormitory at a cost of Rs. 30,000 on his word. A total of 20,000 rupees was collected and deposited with the Bank of Madras.
• People from this community have made Karnataka proud by their successes in different disciplines such as politics, administration, art, literature, and culture, with the efforts of these gentlemen.

Conclusion

These movements had a significant impact on the political, social, and religious lives of the people of South India. The message of Tamil nationalism was communicated to the entire populace. The Indian people gained pride in their civilisation as their awareness of India's former splendour grew. It also aided religious and social reformers in their fight against all kinds of inhumane behaviours, superstitions, and the like. They campaigned for women's freedom, opposing sati, infanticide, child marriage, and widow remarriage, as well as casteism and untouchability, and promoting education to bring about societal enlightenment.

FAQs

MCQs

1. In which year was the Vokkaligara Sangha established?

A) 1900
B) 1906
C) 1911
D) 1920

2. What was the main objective of the Vokkaligara Sangha?

A) Political campaigning
B) Economic reforms
C) Promotion of education and social welfare
D) Establishment of trade unions

3. Which community does the Vokkaligara Sangha represent?

A) Lingayat
B) Brahmin
C) Vokkaliga
D) Maratha

4. How did the Vokkaligara Sangha contribute to the field of education?

A) By promoting religious teachings
B) By opening educational institutions
C) By establishing trade guilds
D) By organizing agricultural fairs

5. Who was a key figure in the establishment of the Vokkaligara Sangha?

A) B. R. Ambedkar
B) K.H. Ramaiah
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Jawaharlal Nehru

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the significance of the Vokkaligara Sangha in the socio-political development of Karnataka. How did it impact the Vokkaliga community?

Answer: The Vokkaligara Sangha, established in 1906, was pivotal in the socio-political development of Karnataka. It was founded with the objective of promoting education and social welfare among the Vokkaliga community, an influential agrarian group in the region. By establishing schools, colleges, and hostels, the Sangha provided access to quality education, empowering the community with knowledge and skills. This focus on education helped the Vokkaligas secure better socioeconomic positions and foster leadership within the community. The Sangha's initiatives contributed to a sense of unity and identity, facilitating their active participation in the political sphere and promoting social reforms. Its efforts laid the groundwork for enhanced representation and upliftment of the community, influencing the broader social fabric of Karnataka.

Q2: Discuss the role of educational institutions established by the Vokkaligara Sangha in shaping modern Karnataka. How did these institutions contribute to social change?

Answer: The educational institutions established by the Vokkaligara Sangha played a crucial role in shaping modern Karnataka. By providing access to schools and colleges, the Sangha addressed educational disparities and contributed to the literacy and professional development of the Vokkaliga community. These institutions not only offered academic opportunities but also fostered an environment of social mobility and awareness. The emphasis on education empowered individuals to pursue careers in various fields, enhancing their socioeconomic status and contributing to the state's overall development. This focus on education also promoted social change by challenging traditional caste hierarchies and enabling community members to engage in political and administrative roles, thereby influencing policies and reforms at both local and state levels.

Q3: Evaluate the impact of the Vokkaligara Sangha’s initiatives on the political representation of the Vokkaliga community. How did this influence the broader political landscape of Karnataka?

Answer: The Vokkaligara Sangha’s initiatives had a profound impact on the political representation of the Vokkaliga community. By fostering educational and social welfare programs, the Sangha empowered community members with the knowledge and confidence needed to participate in political processes. This led to an increase in Vokkaliga leaders occupying significant political positions and advocating for the community's interests. The Sangha's role in uniting the community also strengthened their collective bargaining power, influencing political outcomes in Karnataka. This empowerment contributed to a more inclusive political landscape, where diverse community interests were represented, promoting balanced governance and social reforms that benefited not only the Vokkaligas but also the broader population.

Previous Year Questions on Vokkaligara Sangha

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: The Vokkaligara Sangha was established to promote the welfare of which community?

A) Lingayat
B) Vokkaliga
C) Maratha
D) Brahmin

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Vokkaligara Sangha was founded to promote the welfare and advancement of the Vokkaliga community, a significant agrarian group in Karnataka.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Analyze the contribution of social organizations like the Vokkaligara Sangha in the upliftment of marginalized communities in India. How do such organizations help in promoting education and social change?"

Answer: Social organizations like the Vokkaligara Sangha have played an essential role in the upliftment of marginalized communities in India by focusing on education, social welfare, and representation. The Vokkaligara Sangha, established in 1906, provided educational facilities, enabling members of the Vokkaliga community to pursue higher education and professional careers. This focus on academic empowerment helped break down barriers of caste-based discrimination and facilitated upward social mobility. Such organizations foster unity and collective identity, which are crucial for advocating for community rights and achieving political representation. By promoting education and social awareness, these organizations contribute to broader social change, enabling marginalized communities to participate actively in the socio-political landscape of the region.